Pieces: try-out

Sis,

Let's try out the Pieces Mission. I guess you know couple of reasons why I would like to do this mission.

You know I've always been amazed with inspirational readings or movies, for example my love in Paulo Coelho's novels. Sometimes those words have huge effect on me and really improve how I see life and how I see myself. So, I've always been wanting to be a writer as well...someday. To be able to share my thoughts with others through writings that can help other people, one way or the other...

You know I've always had this unique way of digesting events, conversations, and emotions around me. My brain is constantly working to link many things in life. Maybe that's why I often look restless and it is hard for me to stay still and relax. Well, maybe it's about time to write down those thinking, maybe it's useful, maybe not, maybe it even doesn't make any sense... but I'll never know if it's only inside my head...

You know I've always like to have something happening in my life. Organizing this, leading that, attending this, meeting with those people on this and that... Well, I guess I'm kinda loosing that hectic life here in Wageningen. And, for some reasons I chose to do that. Yes, sis, I am operating like a different Steisi here. You must have been laughing out loud if you see how I was struggling not to do anything here.. how I exercise to say NO to several offers to organize this and that. So, I guess, this Pieces Mission should be do-able and not really making myself busy (I still can exercise myself to chill and enjoy the beauty or the mystery in every minutes of life), but I still feel like doing something...

You know I've always loved you and maybe you'll be the only person in this planet whom I can be the 'real weird Steisi' (yeah... all those clumsy, funny, sad, fun moments Sis). So, I guess it's also nice to share the Pieces with the world; with whoever feel like reading our 'one and only' sistership through this Pieces Mission.

So, this is the try-out edition of the Pieces Mission. I wrote you a message on your facebook inbox about this mission. Let me know what you think about it Sis!

HUGS

MSc Development and Rural Innovation (MDR)

The only constant is change itself!

As some of you may know, I am currently living a student life in Wageningen University, The Netherlands. The name of my Master program has been changed to MSc Development and Rural Innovation (MDR). Before MDR, the name was MSc Management of Agro-Ecological Knowledge and Social Change (MAKS). The change is only in the name of the program, not in the content; just like changing the casing of cellphone or bed-sheet.

Like any other changes that happen in this planet; some like the new name, some don't. Some disagree with the changing process itself, some find MDR easier to 'explain' compare to MAKS, some worry about the prospect to pursue professional career in the developed countries and in the developing countries.

Indeed the changing process was quite complex and apparently the talk to change the MAKS name has started a decade ago. It was said that one of the main triggers to change the MAKS name was because it is far from being 'the common' and it is not self-explanatory; especially when compared with MSc programs like 'Biotechnology', 'International Development', 'Nutrition and Health.'

So far, I am fine with MDR. I would say I am fine with any NAMING of the program. I am currently in love with the content--the subjects that I am learning. I see that the real challenge lies in the ability to formulate a simple-understandable by layman one/two-liner(s) of what is MAKS? or now.. what is MDR?

This is my one-liner; which of course is not constant and may change as time goes...

MDR equips students (from natural science background) with social science perspectives to analyze and to understand the dynamics and the complexity of social change.

MAKS-ers/MDR-ers, what's your one/two-liner(s)?

Rambling-2: Here in Wageningen

Just want to write down a couple of random thoughts and remarks I recently saw or heard from friends... from the people around me here in my Wageningen life... yup, the temporary life I'm living in :)

1. A corridor mate was cooking. A delicious smell filled the corridor! He told me he is cooking for a dinner with his girlfriend. *Ahh.. it was not only the smell of the food, but also the smell of love*

2. A musical friend was greeting me from behind the bar. He was tired, I was tired. He's keeping the Jam Session running because he loves music. He said *it (music) cleanses my soul!*

3. A scared stranger I suppose, with an alcohol smell. *It's Friday, I don't want to be alone, I need people around me* Well... as they say, alcohol adds honesty in your statement.

4. A very unpredictable friend... *I don't know what I'll do next week, I don't even know what I'll do the day after tomorrow or this weekend* Apparently for some people planning is aching...

5. A confused friend, very rich of love and care; enough to be shared here in Wageningen. *I can, but I don't want to say stop because I see that you're truly happy!*

6. A basketball friend, in love with another place in the other part of the globe. *Wageningen is just a 'stopover', make the best of it and have fun!!*

7. *This is Wageningen, there's no such thing as love...*

8. A messy mind; negotiating with her ego, with her way of how things should operate. What to do? What to do? What to do? *It will end... yeah, but what won't?*


Wageningen life will end, sooner or later...


















MAKS-24 Dinner in Period 4, 12 March 2010, @ Droef 41!
Lovely People!! Will really really miss those moments...

March Arch

March is the start of the color and smell of spring (and yes, it will be my first experience of spring's beauty!). March is the start of Period 4 in my MAKS study (the new name of my MSc program is Master of Development and Rural Innovation, as per September 2010).

March is living my decision to focus my study in Rural Development Sociology and to dwell with intensive Anthropological and Governance readings and discussions. A failure to fulfill a workshop assignment in my 'Anthropology and Rural Development' class, ended up with being fortunate to receive the following thought from a wise classmate:

"Don't compare... and you will be able to fully express yourself. The universe is a massive puzzle and each one of us is a unique piece of that puzzle"

March is about being a bit frustrated on thinking about what to do for my Thesis instead of making time to start reading, reading, and reading... (favorite student paradox!).




But, March is also about re-thinking life, re-thinking my existence in life, re-thinking my thinking of life... March is also about the 'Arch' -- my undefined term of a character that introduced me to a good heart, a peaceful mind, and a sincere act.

Papa

Miss you Pa!

Jakarta is like sugar; the ants just keep on coming!

Finally found this piece again! Thanks to Pak Agung from Omah Sendok Restaurant!
The Jakarta Globe Newspaper


April 16, 2009

My Jakarta: Steisi Mileiva

Steisi Mileiva, 24, is a research assistant at the World Bank who recently made the move to Jakarta from the outlying city of Bogor. But the Bogor Agricultural University graduate could easily have taken an entirely different career path. After graduating with a degree in food science technology she was offered two jobs: the one she didn’t take as a television news reporter and the one she ultimately chose, which she says has given her a glimpse into the art of achieving progress in Jakarta.

So what do you do at the World Bank?

I work in coordination with the Ministry of National Education to help young drop-outs find pathways to employment. We work with the director general of nonformal and informal education to put high school and college-aged kids in short education programs: beauty, automotive, tailoring, computing and other vocational courses. The training providers are required to place the students in jobs after graduation.

When you’re not busy at the World Bank how do you like to spend your time?

I play basketball and I’m a member of the Metropolitan Toastmasters Club in Kuningan. I used to be involved in more activities when I lived in Bogor, but it was time to make the move and live on my own.

How did you decide to move to Jakarta?

I know it’s not far, only 2 hours, but I wanted to challenge myself and push my comfort level.

What do you miss in Bogor?

I was really active in my church and I was involved in all kinds of activities. I was in a choir — I miss that. We had some great moments. When you sing at a wedding you have the chance to make it beautiful for the couple. And during Christmas we would go to retirement homes and when we sang it would bring people to tears. I guess they miss the warm Christmas celebrations they used to enjoy with their families. I am looking for a choir like that here in Jakarta.

So you have a really good singing voice?

Not really. That’s why I sing with a choir.

Do people in Bogor have a certain perception of Jakarta?

Well, I think people know that if it’s greenery and trees they’re looking for they should come to Bogor, but if they want malls and museums, Jakarta is the place to be. Here is where the excitement is. You’re close to the decision makers. There are more job opportunities here. Jakarta is like sugar; the ants just keep on coming.

So whether Jakarta is the right city for you depends on where you are in your life?

People who are thinking about settling down and having a family usually say it’s more affordable to do it in Bogor or outside of Jakarta. School fees are cheaper and the quality of air is better because it’s less polluted.

When you’re not at the office is there a cafe or restaurant in Jakarta that you come back to again and again?

It’s not the place, it’s the people. You can be at a lousy cafe but have a great time as long as you surround yourself with the right people. I know this cafe near my boarding house, Omah Sendok in Jalan Taman Empu Sendok — it’s a cozy place with traditional food in a cafe-like setting. There’s nasi liwet [rice boiled in coconut milk] and bir pletok , a nonalcoholic drink made from different spices. You rarely see it in other cafes. It’s a traditional Betawi drink.

Working in education, is there anything you think should get more attention in the school system?

I personally like public speaking. I think that the Indonesian school system should place more emphasis on it. When you talk to kids who don’t attend international schools they are timid and afraid to say what’s on their mind. I have family members from all over the greater Jakarta area and when everyone gets together I am always the one who acts as emcee. For example, if it’s the birthday of one of my cousins , I want to give them a chance to have their say, but when I invite them up to talk into the microphone they’re shy. However, they are practicing. I keep encouraging my little cousins not to be scared when they are talking in front of groups of people.

How did you choose between a job at the World Bank and a job as a reporter?

I had an offer from Trans TV and an offer from the World Bank. I sought advice from family and friends and then sat down and thought about it myself. That was one of the biggest decisions in my life. I am happy with my job, but I will always be curious about the world of the TV reporter.

You seem happy with your decision. What have you gained from working at the World Bank?

I understand the government and how my country works. I’ve seen it from the inside because I work side by side with members of a ministry. I know why things take time and why programs aren’t easy to put into action. In preparing a project you can hire the most advanced technical expertise money can buy, but if the people don’t fit — like pieces of the Jakarta puzzle — it doesn’t work. Its an art.



Steisi Mileiva was talking to Zack Petersen.

You Don't Listen!

I told you to let go
but you don't listen...

I told you to forget
but you don't listen...

I told you to look another way
but you don't listen...

I am PAIN
and I always give you those options

You always hear me,
but you don't listen!